The 34th Rössing Marathon opened in Namibia's coastal city of Swakopmund on the morning of March 8 as Wei Jinming, counselor for Economic and Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in Namibia, fired a ceremonial shot into the sky.

As one of Namibia's oldest marathon events, the Rössing Marathon is not only a sports extravaganza but also a cultural feast that bridges distances and connects hearts across mountains and seas.

This year's Rössing Marathon comprised five race categories, which were three-kilometer, five-kilometer, 10-kilometer, half-marathon and full-marathon. It drew the attendance of over 70,000 people of various ethnic groups and different languages.

As an important platform of China-Namibia cooperation, the Rössing Marathon allowed runners to attend it in person and via video link. The running course was featured with stunning backdrop: the vast Atlantic Ocean on one side and the golden expanse of the Namib Desert on the other side.

The Rössing Marathon has been a major event on the Namibian sports calendar. It has not only brought international attention to Namibia but also provided new ideas as well as cooperation models among the Global South nations. Its continuous development will further deepen China-Namibia collaboration in sustainable development, cultural exchanges and other fields, make contributions to the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and serve as a vivid example of solidarity and cooperation among the Global South countries.

Elia George Kaiyamo, Namibian ambassador to China, said that China and Namibia have further deepened bilateral cooperation in the new era and that the Rössing Marathon has grown into a bridge of friendship between people of the two nations.

Rössing Mine Managing Director Johan Coetzee said that it was the second time for the Rössing Marathon to be held both online and offline with fruitful results. He introduced that the company will further expand the event scale, integrate innovation with sustainable development, advocate positive and healthy regional culture, and advance the exchanges as well as combination between the culture of different nations.

The Rössing Marathon is not only a sporting spectacle but also a cultural celebration. There was a special energy supply station at the three-kilometer mark, where runners can seek energy supplies and grasp a deep understanding of Chinese culture and relevant elements. Its rich Chinese cultural design earned huge attention from spectators.

"It is the first time for me to attend the Rössing Marathon, which impresses me most with local natural scenery and vibrant atmosphere. There are about 60,000 participants from home who take part in the event via video link. I hope that more Chinese people will visit Namibia and closely appreciate its unique charm," said a Chinese runner after he crossed the finish line.

Noting that the Rössing Marathon has become a symbol of China-Namibia cooperation, Wei said that its defining spirit, represented by unity, perseverance, friendship and determination, has highly aligned with bilateral partnership, strengthened the bonds between people of the two countries, and served as a vital bridge for people-to-people exchanges.

Wei added that the sports-driven strength has deepened public support for the positive relations between China and Namibia and made tremendous contributions to the further development of bilateral ties.

The year 2025 is the sixth anniversary of the acquisition of the Rössing Uranium Mine by China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). During the past six years, CNNC has firmly adhered to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, proactively fulfilled its corporate social responsibilities, promoted the sustainable development of the Rössing Uranium Mine, and supported Namibia's comprehensive development. The fulfillment of its social responsibilities in Namibia, particularly investment in education and sports, has delivered tangible benefits to the Namibian people.